Where in the United States can you find the most solar panels? Where should you move if you want to get off the grid and into solar power? The following states are leaders in the production of solar energy:
California
This state has 5.6 daily peak sun hours and is the leader in solar energy production and solar energy purchases. The state is proud of its New Solar Homes Partnership, which has the goal of installing solar-electric systems on half of the new homes built by 2020.
Minnesota
Admit it; you’re shocked to see this state on the list. But Minnesotans are going green, and the use of solar energy is one of their many ways of turning to renewable energy sources. In fact, Xcel Energy (the company that provides 50% of the state’s electricity) is required by law to produce at least 30% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2020. The state offers appealing incentives and rebates for those who use solar energy.
Colorado
This state has 300 blue-sky and sun days per year and has 5.8 sun peak hours per average day. Incentive programs are in effect in varying amounts (they vary from county to county), but the state overall has set goals to increase both residential and commercial dependence on renewable energy sources by 2020.
New Mexico
This state averages between 300-350 sunny days a year and 6.2 peak sun hours each day, and it’s using this solar power capacity aggressively. The state’s goal? To make sure at least 20% of all electricity used in the state comes from renewable energy resources by 2020.
Connecticut
This state provides renewable energy resource incentives and even has mandated that the state find a way to turn to renewable energy sources for a minimum of 27% of the state’s electricity production by 2020.
Oregon
Oregon only averages 4.4 peak sun hours per day, but it offers one of the best incentive programs for residents and industries that use renewable resources. It’s goal? To have all places of business using 25% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.
If you’re considering building a new home, installing solar panels on your existing home, or moving to a renewable energy-aware state, you’ll want to investigate the opportunities available. Look into rebates, incentives, and solar energy resale sources. You’ll quickly identify which are the best opportunities and will discover there are many reasons to turn to solar energy dependence.
Author Bio:
Erinn Stam is the Managing Editor for a website that offers nursing school wait lists. She attends Wake Technical Community College and is learning about nursing schools in SC. She lives in Durham, NC with her lovely 4-year-old daughter and exuberant husband.
Image Attribution: Some rights reserved by Chandra Marsono
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